Black Dog Outfitters, Inc. v. Idaho Outfitters & Guides Licensing Board
Black Dog Outfitters, Inc. v. Idaho Outfitters & Guides Licensing Board
Opinion of the Court
MEMORANDUM ORDER
INTRODUCTION
Pending before the Court in the above-entitled matter are Defendant United States Depai’tment of the Interior/Bureau of Land Management and United States Department of Agriculture/United States Forest Service’s (the “Federal Defendants”) Motion for Summary Judgment, Defendant State of Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board’s (“IOGLB”) Motion for Summary Judgment, and Plaintiffs Motions to Modify and Supplement the Administrative Record. The parties have filed their briefing and the matters are ripe for the Court’s consideration. Having fully reviewed the record herein, the Court finds that the facts and legal arguments are adequately represented in the briefs and record. Accordingly, and in the interest of avoiding further delay, and because the Court conclusively finds that the decisional process would not be significantly aided by oral argument, the Motions shall be decided on the record before this Court without oral argument.
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
Plaintiff, Black Dog Outfitters, Inc. (“Black Dog”), is an Idaho corporation that provides outfitting services for hunting and fishing excursions on the Snake River in Idaho. (Dkt. 56.) Black Dog currently holds certain permits and licenses on the Snake River for waterfowl hunting and related services from various regulatory agencies: IOGLB, the United States Forest Service (“Forest Service”), and the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”). The claims in this case arise as a result of Black Dog’s failed attempts to obtain additional outfitting licenses and permits, in particular to include fishing services, on the Snake River from these same agencies.
The current regulatory scheme allows for only a limited number of permits and licenses to be issued for outfitters on the South Fork of the Snake River. All of the permits and licenses allowed by the regulations have been issued to other outfitters. In October of 2007 Black Dog undertook its own investigation into the availability of outfitting opportunities on the South Fork on the Snake River and concluded that the river was not being used to capacity. (Dkt. 56, pp. 5, 8-9.) As a result of its findings, Black Dog submitted applications to each of the Defendant agencies seeking to have additional outfitting permits/licenses issued to it on four different resources. (Dkt. 56, p. 9.) Defendants denied Black Dog’s permit/license requests generally stating there were no new permits/licenses available under the regulations and none could be created until a capacity study is undertaken to determine whether there is a need for additional permits.
Black Dog argues the denials were without any basis other than “the fact that the government agencies noted that there were ‘no available licenses or permits’ for the resources.” (Dkt. 56, p. 9.) The denials of its applications and requests, Black Dog claims, are arbitrary and capricious as there is no scientific basis or study to support the regulatory limitation on the number of outfitter licenses for the resource. In particular, Black Dog alleges that the various state and federal agencies responsible for regulation of the South Fork had never, prior to the summer of 2008, conducted a capacity study nor shown any basis for the current limitations on the numbers of permits and licenses.
As part of its investigation and pursuit of new permits/licenses, Black Dog began requesting information to support the findings of its studies that the resource was being underutilized. This included Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) requests. Thereafter, Black Dog alleges, the Defendants violated its First Amendment Rights to free speech and took discriminatory action toward it by restricting it from utilizing its waterfowl hunting license because of the complaints and actions Black Dog had taken in regard to its information requests. (Dkt. 56, pp. 11-12.) Black Dog contends there was no opportunity to comment on these actions that the Defendants took intending to intimidate and retaliate against it. (Dkt. 56, pp. 12-13.) In addition, Black Dog points out the existing permits are held almost exclusively by two owners, creating a monopolistic situation that is enabled by the Federal Defendants and the IOGLB. (Dkt. 56, pp. 14-16.) The Defendants, Black Dog argues, implicitly exempts these two owners and their operations from having to comply with regulations while using the regulations to effectively exclude Black Dog. (Dkt. 56, p. 21.)
On December 18, 2009, Black Dog, filed its initial Complaint in this action alleging jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331, § 1367 and § 1337. (Dkt. 1.) On May 10, 2010, the Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(1). The Court denied the Motion to Dismiss and granted Black Dog’s request to amend its Complaint. (Dkt. 45.) Thereafter, Black Dog filed its Third Amended Original Complaint (“Amended Complaint”) wherein it sought declaratory relief pursuant to the First, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments as well as the Commerce Clause. (Dkt. Nos. 56, 58.) On May 13, 2011, 790 F.Supp.2d 1248 (D.Idaho 2011), the Court granted in part and denied in part the Federal Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss leaving only two claims to be resolved in this case: violation of the First Amendment by Retaliation and Violation of Equal Protection. (Dkt. 71.) The Defendants have now each filed Motions for Summary Judgement contesting these claims. Black Dog has filed its Motions to Modify and Supplement the Administrative Record. The Court now takes up these pending Motions.
STANDARD OF LAW
Judicial review of administrative agency decisions under the Administrative Procedures Act (“APA”) is based on the administrative record compiled by the agency — not on independent fact-finding by the district court. Camp v. Pitts, 411 U.S. 138, 142, 93 S.Ct. 1241, 36 L.Ed.2d 106 (1973). Courts may resolve APA challenges via summary judgment. See Nw. Motorcycle Ass’n v. United States Dep’t Agric., 18 F.3d 1468, 1472 (9th Cir. 1994). Summary judgment is appropriate where “there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” See Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(a).
In reviewing an agency action under the APA, the Court must determine whether the action is “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion or otherwise not in accordance with the law.” 5 U.S.C.
DISCUSSION
1. Black Dog’s Permit History
Black Dog is licensed by the IOGLB for certain boating, fishing, and waterfowl hunting activities in various areas of the state of Idaho. As relevant to this action, Black Dog holds a license to conduct waterfowl hunting on the South Fork of the Snake River. (Dkt. 56.)
In June of 2008, Black Dog appeared before the IOGLB to present its argument that the South Fork of the Snake River was being underutilized. Black Dog proposed that the IOGLB reallocated user days on the South Fork of the Snake River from the currently licensed entities who were not using all of their user days. (IOGLB 138-174.) On June 25, 2008, Black Dog also submitted an application to amend its license to allow for boating and fishing activities on several river sections including the South Fork of the Snake River. (IOGLB 1564-70.) After conferring with the Federal Defendants, the IOGLB denied Black Dog’s requests and proposals stating “there are currently no openings for new outfitter opportunities on the South Fork of the Snake River or other rivers discussed” at the June 2008 meeting. (IOGLB 310-12, 319-320, 327-331, 373.)
As to the Federal Defendants, Black Dog holds two outfitter permits: 1) a five-year Forest Service permit to guide waterfowl hunters and 2) a two-year BLM permit to conduct guided boating and fishing trips. As it did with IOGLB, Black Dog has sought additional permits from the Federal Defendants to expand its outfitting business; specifically to include guided fishing and boating on the South Fork
Black Dog made a similar request to the BLM on June 13, 2008 seeking to amend its permit to conduct commercial outfitting and guiding for fishing and boating services on the Upper Snake River. (Black-Dog 2447-8.)
2. Motion to Supplement Administrative Record
Black Dog seeks to modify the Administrative Record such that certain sections of the record be separated and renamed for purposes of filing its response to the Defendants’ Motions for Summary Judgment. (Dkt. 96.) Such modification, Black Dog argues, will simplify and streamline the matter for the Court. (Dkt. 104, 107.) Additionally, Black Dog asks that it be allowed to supplement the Administrative Record to include certain emails which it argues are proof of retaliatory actions taken against it by Defendants. (Dkt. 96.) In a second Motion, Black Dog seeks to also supplement the record with the minutes from the August 25-26, 2011 meeting of the IOGLB to support its Equal Protection Clause claim. (Dkt. 100.)
The Forest Service opposes the first Motion arguing the APA limits review of this matter to the record before the agency at the time of the decision. (Dkt. 101.) As to the Motion to supplement the record with the August 25-26, 2011 minutes of the IOGLB meeting, the Forest Service does not oppose the request as it goes to the administrative record submitted by the IOGLB, not the Forest service. (Dkt. 102.) The IOGLB opposes adding the August 25-26, 2011 IOGLB meeting minutes because it is a record from a meeting occurring some eighteen months after this case was filed. (Dkt. 103.) Likewise, IOGLB opposes the request to add certain emails to the record as they were not before the agency at the time of the events in question in this case. (Dkt. 106.) Because
As the Court has previously stated, the claims raised in Black Dog’s Amended Complaint can only be properly brought under the APA, 5 U.S.C. § 701 et al. (Dkt. 71.) “The APA expressly declares itself to be a comprehensive remedial scheme: it states that a ‘person suffering legal wrong because of agency action, or adversely affected or aggrieved by agency action within the meaning of a relevant statute, is entitled to judicial review’ ... and then sets forth the procedures for such review” Western Radio Serv. Co. v. United States Forest Serv., 578 F.3d 1116, 1122 (9th Cir. 2009) (quoting 5 U.S.C. §§ 702, 704, 706).
In conducting an APA review, the law is clear that courts should not look outside the administrative record absent unusual circumstances. See Florida Power & Light Co. v. Lorion, 470 U.S. 729, 743-44, 105 S.Ct. 1598, 84 L.Ed.2d 643 (1985). The Court recognizes that there are certain instances where it is necessary for the reviewing Court to go beyond the administrative record, in particular, to determine whether the agency considered all relevant factors. See Alvarado Community Hospital v. Skalala, 155 F.3d 1115, 1124 (9th Cir. 1998) (citation omitted). However, the policy behind limiting judicial review is to assure the reviewing court limits its decision to the record before the agency, not a new record created before the Court. See Camp v. Pitts, 411 U.S. 138, 142, 93 S.Ct. 1241, 36 L.Ed.2d 106 (1973).
The materials sought to be supplemented into the Administrative Record in this case were not present or before the agencies at the time when the events complained of in this case were allegedly occurring. As such, those materials are not ones that can be included for the Court’s consideration in this matter as they did not exist at the time of the events giving rise to the claims made here. See Camp, 411 U.S. at 142, 93 S.Ct. 1241. Furthermore, the Court denies the request to supply a modified Administrative Record. Although the Administrative Record in this case is quite lengthy, the most appropriate and economical method for citations is for all of the parties to cite to the same Administrative Record. Adding yet another modified record to this case will only serve to lengthen the already voluminous materials. Although Black Dog’s response brief cited to its own modified administrative record, the Court has been able to locate the documents referred to in the Administrative Records filed in this case as needed to rule on the Motions. As such, Black Dog’s Motions are denied.
3. Claims Against IOGLB
A. Subject Matter Jurisdiction
IOGLB argues the APA claims are inapplicable to it as the APA does not apply to state agencies and, for that reason, the claims against it should be dismissed. (Dkt. 92 at 9.) The Court agrees. “By its own terms, the APA does not apply to state agencies.” See Southwest Williamson County Community Ass’n, Inc. v. Slater, 173 F.3d 1033, 1035 (6th Cir. 1999). “Agency” is defined by the APA as “each authority of the Government of the United
B. Claim Preclusion
IOGLB also argues Black Dog’s claims are barred against it by Claim Preclusion. In 2008, Black Dog filed suit against the IOGLB in Idaho state court regarding many of the same or substantially similar issues as have been raised in this case concerning outfitter licensing, usage, and the capacity study. Though the First Amendment and Equal Protection claims were not specifically raised in the state suit, IOGLB argues they could have been brought at that time and, therefore, are still precluded. (Dkt. 92 at 10.)
State judicial proceedings are afforded full faith and credit such that res judicata and other preclusion doctrines may operate to limit or exclude causes of action in federal court. 28 U.S.C. § 1738. “[A] federal court sitting in diversity must apply the res judicata law of the state in which it sits.” Costantini v. Trans World Airlines, 681 F.2d 1199, 1201 (9th Cir. 1982). The Idaho Supreme Court has stated that “Res judicata is comprised of claim preclusion (true res judicata) and issue preclusion (collateral estoppel). Under principles of claim preclusion, a valid final judgment rendered on the merits by a court of competent jurisdiction is an absolute bar to a subsequent action between the same parties upon the same claim.” Lohman v. Flynn, 139 Idaho 312, 78 P.3d 379, 386 (2003) (citations omitted); see also Coeur D'Alene Tribe v. Asarco Inc., 280 F.Supp.2d 1094, 1117-19 (D.Idaho 2003) (“Although the literal definition of the term res judicata is expansive enough to cover both preclusion of relitigation of the same cause of action and relitigation of the same issue, the modern tendency is to refer to the aspect of the doctrine that precludes relitigation of the same issue in a separate cause of action as collateral estoppel, and to refer to that aspect preventing relitigation of the same cause of action as res judicata.”) (quotations and citations omitted).
“Res judicata thus applies to protect litigants from the burden of litigating the same cause of action with the same party or its privity.” Coeur D'Alene Tribe, 280 F.Supp.2d 1094, 1117-19 (D.Idaho 2003) (citing Hindmarsh v. Mock, 138 Idaho 92, 57 P.3d 803 (2002)). Res judicata “bars not only subsequent relitigation of a claim previously asserted, but also subsequent relitigation of any claims relating to the same cause of action which were actually made or which might have been made.” Lohman, 78 P.3d at 386 (citing Hindmarsh, 57 P.3d at 805 (citations omitted)). For Res judicata to preclude litigation the following requirements must be
Here, Black Dog agrees the first element of claim preclusion is met as the same parties are involved in both cases. However, Black Dog maintains claim preclusion does not apply here because the actual claims at issue in this matter were not decided in the state court action. (Dkt. 95 at 4.)
The state court action was filed in the Seventh Judicial District of the State of Idaho, in and for the County of Bonneville, Case 08-6407. (Dkt. 92-4, Ex. A.) There, Black Dog sought judicial review of IOGLB’s final order of September 18, 2008 and underlying matters regarding its request to “equitably reallocate underutilized and/or unutilized commercial fishing activities on the South Fork of the Snake and [IOGLB]’s refusal to [so reallocate].” (Dkt. 92-4, Ex. A.) Notably, the state complaint alleges “the current system for allocating commercial fishing activities on the South Fork of the Snake River does not provide equal protection under the United States or Idaho Constitutions to Black Dog .... the IOGLB’s actions were in violation of constitutional provisions of the State and Federal Constitutions, including without limitation, rights of due process, equal protection under the laws and a fundamental right to free commerce.... ” (Dkt. 92-4, Ex. A at 5 and Ex. B at 5.) The state district court determined Black Dog lacked standing to bring its claims because it held no property rights to the license it sought to obtain. (Dkt. 92-4, Ex. H.) Black Dog filed an appeal but later stipulated to dismiss the appeal. (Dkt. 92-4, Ex. I-K.)
Having reviewed the complaint filed in the state court matter and the surviving claims in this ease, the Court finds claim preclusion does not apply here. There is no dispute that the parties are the same in this case as those parties who litigated the state ease. (Dkt. 95 at 4.) As to the second element for claim preclusion, the Court finds the claims raised in this case are or should have been raised and litigated in the state case. Black Dog alleged an Equal Protection claim in his state complaints as well as generalized constitutional claims that are the same as those raised in this matter against IOGLB. (Dkt. 92-4, Ex. A, B.) The factual basis making up the claims is also the same. Though Black Dog disputes this, arguing its disparate treatment allegations involved continuing actions outside of the dates of those alleged in the state court matter, this argument misses the point. The claims are the
As to the final requirement for claim preclusion, a final adjudication on the merits, it is less clear whether this factor is met. After the state district court entered its order dismissing Black Dog’s petition for judicial review, Black Dog filed an appeal to the Idaho Supreme Court. (Dkt. 92, Ex. H, I.) The state court case was ultimately concluded when the parties filed a joint stipulation to dismissal of appeals and the Idaho Supreme Court entered an order granting the same. (Dkt. 92, Ex. J, K.) The stipulation was made pursuant to Idaho Appellate Rule 33 which does not specify whether such a dismissal is with or without prejudice. The stipulation itself also does not state whether it was with or without prejudice. (Dkt. 92-4, Ex. I, K.)
In considering the scope of claim preclusion, or res judicata, the Idaho Supreme Court has summarized it as follows: “[A] valid and final judgment rendered in an action extinguishes all claims arising out of the same transaction or series of transactions out of which the cause of action arose.” Diamond v. Farmers Group, Inc., 119 Idaho 146, 804 P.2d 319, 323 (1990); see also Lohman, 78 P.3d at 386. Because the stipulation to dismiss the appeal filed in the state court matter did not specify that it was “with prejudice,” whether there was a valid final judgment entered is not clear and it leaves open the possibility that the dismissal of the appeal may not have preclusive effect.
For instance, a voluntary dismissal of an action done by stipulation of the parties under Idaho Rule of Civil Procedure 41(a)(1), is interpreted to be “without prejudice” unless otherwise stated in the notice of dismissal or stipulation subject to one exception that does not apply here. See Idaho R. Civ. P. 41(a)(1). Under this reasoning, because the stipulation to dismiss the appeal filed in this case does not specify that it was with prejudice, it seems the presumption would be that the dismissal was without prejudice and, arguably, not a final adjudication of the merits of the claims.
4. Violation of the First Amendment by Retaliation
The First Amendment provides that “Congress shall make no law
Black Dog’s First Amendment claim appears to be premised on the alleged retaliatory actions the BLM and IOGLB took towards it as Black Dog has requested public information and sought to obtain outfitting permitsAieenses and/or reallocation of unused days. (Dkt. 56.) Defendants argue the First Amendment retaliation claim has no merit as Black Dog cannot show that the Defendants have taken any retaliatory action against it. (Dkt. 91 at 17.) Defendants point out that no new permits for the area have been issued to Black Dog or any other outfitters, as they are not available at this time. (Dkt. 91 at 17.) Black Dog counters that its retaliation claim is based on “multiple instances of the Defendants’ intentional retaliation against” it because of its investigation into the Defendants’ management of the resource at issue. (Dkt. 95 at 6.) The instances of retaliation Black Dog points to are its FOIA requests, internal emails of the Defendants, and other actions by Defendants to limit its existing permits which Black Dog argues evidence their “general dislike” of Black Dog. (Dkt. 95 at 7-13.)
Although this claim survived the Motion to Dismiss, it does not overcome summary judgment. Black Dog alleges its inquires and expressions of concern are protected speech under the First Amendment. (Dkt. 56 at 23) (citing Gibson v. United States, 781 F.2d 1334, 1338 (9th Cir. 1986)). Black Dog has failed, however, to show any retaliation by the Defendants attributable to Black Dog’s exercise of its First Amendment rights. The First Amendment claim alleges retaliation against Black Dog for “expressing [its] concerns regarding the use of allocated resources, and further, for requesting information through the Freedom of Information act” regarding whether the resources were being properly utilized. (Dkt. 56 at 22.) The retaliatory actions, Black Dog alleges, include Defendants attempts at deterrence by dismissing Black Dog’s requests as “quickly as possible” and attempting to limit Black Dog’s use of its waterfowl permit in a manner not consistent with its historic use. (Dkt. 56 at 23.) The Court concludes that the particular instances of allegedly violative conduct by Defendants described in Black Dog’s Complaint and Response brief do not give rise to disputed facts as to the claim of retaliation in violation of the First Amendment. (Dkt. 56 and 95 at 7-13.) Though the allegations regarding Defendants’ conduct may show the contentious nature of the dealings between the parties, they do not allege retaliation on the part of the Defendants as to Black Dog’s First Amendment rights.
As to Black Dog’s arguments concerning the Defendants’ actions showing their “general dislike” of Black Dog, the IOGLB counters that these were not alleged in the Complaint. (Dkt. 108 at 6.) The Court disagrees with IOGLB. The First Amendment Claim as stated in the Complaint alleges retaliation against Black Dog for its expressions of its concerns regarding the use of allocated resources and requesting information through FOIA. (Dkt. 56 at 22.) The Complaint goes on to allege the Defendants quickly dismissed Black Dog’s requests and attempted to limit its use of its waterfowl permit in a manner not consistent with its historic use in an effort to deter Black Dog in retaliation for its inquisitiveness concerning the use of the resource. Specifically, the claim alleges the
denial of Black Dog’s application for an outfitter’s license and the above attempt to place limits on Black Dog’s waterfowl permit is an unconstitutional retaliation on the part of the Defendants. Plaintiffs inquiries and expressions of concern are protect speech under the First Amendment.
(Dkt. 56 at 23) (citations omitted). The Court finds the claim has been stated in the Complaint.
Although alleged in the Complaint, the fact remains that Black Dog has not pointed to facts evidencing retaliation by the Defendants as to either their denial of its requests for permits/lieenses or any limitations placed on its existing waterfowl permit. The denials of Black Dog’s applications and requests for permits/lieenses were not retaliation but, instead, made because there were no licenses or permits left to be issued. Furthermore, the alleged actions by Defendants to limit Black Dog’s existing waterfowl permit are contrary to the record. The Administrative Record as it existed at the time of the events in question here reveals that Black Dog was granted a major amendment to its waterfowl permit whereby Black Dog is allowed to use certain boating services to shuttle its clients to the waterfowl hunting areas for which it is allowed to hunt. (IOGLB 265,1553-1558, 1562.) Black Dog disputes this arguing the permit amendment was stopped by the IOGLB Director, Jake Howard. (Dkt. 95 at 8.) The Administrative Record, however, reflects that an amendment to allow Black Dog to perform certain boating activities was approved as requested by Mr. Howard at the April 24, 2008 IOGLB meeting, which Black Dog attended. (IOGLB 1562.)
Finally Black Dog argues the IOGLB applied the regulations governing outfitters more aggressively towards Black Dog than to other licensed outfitters in retaliation for its information requests. In particular, as to Black Dog’s advertisements and marketing of its outfitting guiding services. (Dkt. 95 at 8-9.) Materials concerning these issues in the Administrative Record reveal that Black Dog entered into a Stipulation and Consent Agreement for Informal Disposition concerning these actions wherein it admitted grounds existed upon which it could be disciplined. (IOGLB AR 263-266, 269-279) (FS 4207-09, 4294-98.)
Black Dog has raised similar allegations of targeted punishment toward it by the BLM. (Dkt. 95 at 9-11.) Black Dog argues BLM has singled it out solely in retaliation for its efforts to obtain information concerning the under-utilization of the resources. Again, the Administrative Record does not support Black Dog’s characterization of BLM’s actions. Black Dog’s claims concern, in one instance, an exchange of letters in October of 2007.
5. Violation of Equal Protection
The Equal Protection Claim is brought under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments alleging disparate treatment between Black Dog and the outfitters holding permits/licences on the South Fork. (Dkt. 56, p. 26.) “Both the Equal Protection Clause and the APA prohibit agencies from treating similarly situated petitioners differently without providing a sufficiently reasoned justification for the disparate treatment.” Muwekma Ohlone Tribe v. Kempthome, 452 F.Supp.2d 105, 115 (D.D.C. 2006) (citing Settles v. U.S. Parole Comm’n, 429 F.3d 1098, 1102-03 (D.C.Cir. 2005) (“To prevail on [its] equal protection claim, [a plaintiff must] demonstrate that [it] was treated differently than similarly situated [parties] and that the [agency’s] explanation does not satisfy the relevant level of scrutiny.”) (citations omitted)).
In its Equal Protection Claim Black Dog argues it applied for and was denied four outfitter permits and has been subject to
Defendants counter arguing this claim should be summarily dismissed because Black Dog has failed to show they intentionally, and without rational basis, treated it differently from others who are similarly situated. (Dkt. 91 at 18.) Again, Defendants point out, no new permits have been issued to any outfitters during the time frame in which Black Dog applied for these four permits. (Dkt. 91 at 19.) Before any new permits are available, the Defendants state, a visitor capacity study must be completed to accurately assess the need, if any, for such new permits. Thus, Black Dog was not denied any permits. There simply were no permits available.
Both Defendants also point out that Black Dog is not in the same class as other licensed outfitters because Black Dog is not a holder of the outfitters licenses it seeks for the South Fork of the Snake River. (Dkt. 92 at 16) (Dkt. 109 at 5.) Instead, IOGLB argues, Black Dog falls into a class of “potential applicants” who desire to obtain a license. Black Dog has not demonstrated how it was treated differently from others who were similarly situated. Defendants maintain no Equal Protection violation occurred. As an outfitter who seeks a license/permit on the South Fork, Black Dog has not been treated disparately. Just the opposite, Black Dog was treated the same as every other outfitter who applied for South Fork permits/licenses as they were all denied universally based on the fact that no such licenses are available. (Dkt. 92 at 17-18) (Dkt. 109 at 5.)
It is true that Black Dog currently holds certain permits and licenses to provide outfitting services on the Snake River in Idaho. However, Black Dog does not hold the same permits and licenses as other outfitters. Those are the permits and licenses Black Dog seeks to acquire. Thus, Black Dog is not in the same class as current permit holders but is instead situated within the same class as other applicants for those permits and licenses. It is undisputed that Defendants have denied all applications and requests for issuance of new or additional permits and licenses which Black Dog seeks here. As such, Black Dog was not treated differently by Defendants from any other permit applicant. The Court concludes Black Dog has failed to show a genuine issue of material fact exists that its Equal Protection rights were violated.
In addition, Black Dog’s Amended Complaint raises the “class of one” argument. (Dkt. 56, p. 26.) Successful Equal Protection claims have been recognized when brought by a “class of one” where the plaintiff has alleged that he has been intentionally treated differently from others similarly situated and that there is no rational basis for the difference in treatment. Village of Willowbrook v. Olech, 528 U.S. 562, 564, 120 S.Ct. 1073, 145 L.Ed.2d 1060 (2000) (Section 1983 action). The Ninth Circuit, however, has indicated that such actions are disfavored because they threaten to “provide a federal cause of action for review of almost every executive or administrative government decision.” Engquist v. Or. Dept. of Agric., 478 F.3d 985, 993
ORDER
NOW THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Federal Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgment (Dkt. 91) is GRANTED and the IOGLB’s Motion for Summary Judgment (Dkt. 92) GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs Motions to Modify and Supplement Administrative Record (Dkt. 96, 100) are DENIED.
. Black Dog also holds licenses for commercial fishing services on the Main Snake River in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
. There are multiple Administrative Records submitted in this case on behalf of each of the Defendant agencies: the Forest Service, BLM, and IOGLB. (Dkt. 75, 80, 81, 88, 89, 90.) For purposes of this Order and so as to keep a clear record in this case, when citing to the Administrative Records, the Court will use the title and number stamped on to each document as it appears in the Administrative Records filed in this case.
. IOGLB recognizes it is subject to the Idaho Administrative Procedures Act ("IDAPA”) but notes Black Dog has not raised that claim and the time for doing so has long since passed. (Dkt. 92 at 9-10.)
. Although the Court has determined that Black Dog’s claims may be procedurally barred as to IOGLB, the Court will discuss the substance of the two remaining claims as to both Defendants in considering Motions for Summary Judgment below.
. The Idaho Supreme Court has recognized that the three fundamental purposes served by res judicata are:
First, it "[preserves] the acceptability of judicial dispute resolution against the corrosive disrespect that would follow if the same matter were twice litigated to inconsistent results.” Second, it serves the public interest in protecting the courts against the burdens of repetitious litigation; and third, it advances the private interest in repose from the harassment of repetitive claims. The doctrine of claim preclusion bars not only subsequent relitigation of a claim previously asserted, but also subsequent relitigation of any claims relating to the same cause of action which were actually made or which might have been made.
Lohman, 78 P.3d at 386.
. See also Cooter & Gell v. Hartmarx Corp., 496 U.S. 384, 396, 110 S.Ct. 2447, 110 L.Ed.2d 359 (1990) ("[D]ismissal ... without prejudice” is a dismissal that does not “operat[e] as an adjudication upon the merits,” [Federal] Rule 41(a)(1), and thus does not have a res judicata effect.); Semtek Intern. Inc. v. Lockheed Martin Corp., 531 U.S. 497, 505, 121 S.Ct. 1021, 149 L.Ed.2d 32 (2001) (“The primary meaning of "dismissal without prejudice,” ... is dismissal without barring the plaintiff from returning later, to the same court, with the same underlying claim. That will also ordinarily (though not always) have the consequence of not barring the claim from other courts, but its primary meaning relates to the dismissing court itself.”) (contrasting Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41 subsections (a) and (b) and holding the state law for preclusion applies to federal courts sitting in diversity jurisdiction absent any conflict with federal interests).
. To the extent Black Dog may reference materials outside of the Administrative Records
. The Administrative Record contains other documents related to the alleged violations of regulations by Black Dog (Black Dog 2371-2399.)
Reference
- Full Case Name
- BLACK DOG OUTFITTERS, INC. v. State of IDAHO OUTFITTERS AND GUIDES LICENSING BOARD, United States Department of the Interior/Bureau of Land Management and United States Department of Agriculture/United States Forest Service
- Cited By
- 3 cases
- Status
- Published